The first-half finished goalless but both teams had chances to put their side ahead.
For Sunderland, Benji Kimpioka and Will Harris were wasteful.
Ethan Kachosa and Stephen Wearne were brought on at half-time but Sunderland went a goal down in the 53rd minute and faced an uphill battle.
Here, though, we take a look at how our chief football writer Phil Smith rated Sunderland’s players against Oldham Athletic:
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10. Benji Kimpioka
Started superbly but fired into the side netting after getting through on goal and doing all the hard work. Lively at times but faded in the second half. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
11. Will Harris
Combined well with Kimpioka on a couple of occasions in the first half but struggled to get into it through the second. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2021
12. Ethan Kachosa
Plenty of pace but struggled with the end product. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2021